A new study has shown that evidence of past hepatitis B infection was twice as common in people with pancreatic cancer than in healthy controls. This study is the first to report an association between past exposure to the hepatitis B virus and pancreatic cancer, but researchers cautioned that more studies are necessary to evaluate the nature of the link.

A rare subtype of breast cancer, described as mucinous because the tumor produces mucous, has long been associated with a favorable prognosis, but new research suggests that the picture may be less rosy than previously thought. Researchers found that about one third of these women have multiple tumors that are undetected by mammography and ultrasound, and they caution against undertreatment of this patient population.

The benefits of hormonal contraceptives may extend beyond pregnancy prevention, according to a practice bulletin issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and published in the January 2010 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.